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Forts, Palaces, Temples & Backwater Experience

0/5
Duration

15 Days / 14 Nights

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

This perfectly curated tour unfolds the grand narrative of India’s ancient dynasties, Islamic sultanates, Hindu empires, and lush backwaters. Begin with Hyderabad’s opulent Nizami history, continue through Bidar’s Persian-influenced monuments, Gulbarga’s Bahmani legacy, and Bijapur’s grand fortresses. Witness the stone-carved masterpieces of Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal, and UNESCO World Heritage Site Hampi. After your heritage experience, relax in Kerala with Cochin’s colonial charm, Munnar’s emerald tea gardens, wildlife encounters in Thekkady, and the magical houseboat cruise on Alleppey’s backwaters — a perfect blend of culture, history, nature and relaxation.

Highlights

  • Hyderabad: Golconda Fort, Salar Jung Museum, Charminar & Chowmahalla Palace
  • Deccan Sultanates: Forts & Islamic monuments of Bidar, Gulbarga & Bijapur
  • UNESCO Marvels: Aihole, Pattadakal & Hampi’s architectural ruins
  • Kerala Experience: Colonial Cochin, tea plantations in Munnar, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Backwaters: Private luxury houseboat cruise in Alleppey with traditional Kerala meals

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 %
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 %
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 %
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 %
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 %
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 %
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 %

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Hyderabad

• Assistance on arrival at Hyderabad International Airport. • Private transfer to hotel for check-in (standard check-in 12:00 noon). • Time to rest after long flight; optional evening stroll around Banjara Hills. • Overnight stay at hotel in Hyderabad.

Day 2: Full-Day Hyderabad City Tour

• Breakfast at hotel. • Morning visit to Golconda Fort — marvel at its acoustic wonders and panoramic views. • Explore Qutub Shahi Tombs – beautifully domed mausoleums of Qutub Shahi rulers. • Visit iconic Charminar and shop in vibrant Laad Bazaar (Hyderabad’s famous bangle market). • Visit Salar Jung Museum – one of India's finest museums of art, antiques, and sculptures. • Visit Chowmahalla Palace – former seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty. • End the day at Birla Mandir and drive past Hussain Sagar Lake. • Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 3: Hyderabad – Bidar – Gulbarga (260 km / 6 hrs)

• Breakfast at hotel. • Scenic drive to Gulbarga, with enroute visit to Bidar Fort — Persian-style citadel & palaces. • Visit Bahmani Tombs, Rangeen Mahal & sacred Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple. • Continue onward to Gulbarga; check-in to hotel on arrival. • Evening at leisure. • Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 4: Gulbarga – Bijapur (170 km / 4 hrs)

• Breakfast at hotel. • Explore Gulbarga Fort and 14th-century Jama Masjid — inspired by Cordoba Mosque, Spain. • Visit Sharana Basaveshwara Temple & Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah. • Drive to Bijapur (now Vijayapura); check-in on arrival. • Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 5: Bijapur – Badami (120 km / 3 hrs)

• Breakfast at hotel. • Visit Bijapur Fort Complex: • Gol Gumbaz – world’s second largest dome with whispering gallery. • Asar Mahal, Jama Masjid, Bara Kaman mausoleum. • See Malik-e-Maidan — world’s largest medieval cannon. • Mehtar Mahal & Ibrahim Rauza — mini Taj Mahal of Bijapur. • Later drive to Badami; check-in to hotel. • Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 6: Badami, Aihole & Pattadakal Excursion

• Breakfast at hotel. • Visit Aihole – cradle of Hindu rock-cut architecture (Durga Temple, Lad Khan Temple). • Explore Pattadakal – UNESCO-listed 7th-8th century Hindu & Jain temple complex. • Return to Badami; visit Badami Caves (Brahmanical & Jain rock-cut caves). • Visit Badami Fort & serene Agastya Lake. • Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 7: Badami – Gadag – Lakkundi – Hampi (180 km / 5 hrs)

• Breakfast at hotel. • Drive to Hampi; enroute visit: • Gadag: Trikuteshwara Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva). • Lakkundi: ancient Chalukya temples & 101 step wells (Kalyani). • Arrive at Hampi, check-in at hotel. • Evening at leisure. • Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 8: Full-Day Hampi Heritage Tour

• Breakfast at hotel. • Visit Hampi UNESCO World Heritage Site: • Virupaksha Temple – living temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. • Vittala Temple Complex – iconic stone chariot & musical pillars. • King’s Balance, Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables & Royal Enclosure. • Visit Hazara Rama Temple, Ugra Narasimha Statue & Mahanavami Dibba. • Visit ASI Archaeological Museum. • Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 9: Hampi – Hubli – Cochin (Flight)

• Breakfast at hotel. • Transfer to Hubli Airport (160 km / 4 hrs drive). • Flight from Hubli to Cochin (flight cost extra). • Transfer to hotel in Cochin. • Evening Kathakali Dance Performance at cultural theatre. • Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 10: Cochin City Tour – Munnar (140 km / 4 hrs drive)

• Breakfast at hotel. • Visit Fort Cochin, St. Francis Church, Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue & Chinese Fishing Nets. • Stroll through Jew Town spice market & antique shops. • Afternoon scenic drive to Munnar through lush green hills & tea plantations. • Check-in at hotel. • Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 11: Full-Day Munnar Sightseeing

• Breakfast at hotel. • Visit Pothamedu Viewpoint, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point. • Visit Eravikulam National Park (Nilgiri Tahr sanctuary). • Visit Indo-Swiss Dairy Farm & Tea Museum. • Evening at leisure or explore Munnar town. • Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 12: Munnar – Ramakkalmedu – Thekkady (110 km / 3 hrs)

• Breakfast at hotel. • Drive to Thekkady, enroute visit Ramakkalmedu – known for strong winds & panoramic views. • Visit Kuravan & Kurathi Statue & wind farms. • Check-in at hotel in Thekkady. • Evening enjoy Kalaripayattu Martial Art & Kathakali Show. • Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 13: Thekkady – Kumarakom (140 km / 4 hrs)

• Breakfast at hotel. • Morning Boat Safari on Periyar Lake inside Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. • Spot elephants, sambar deer, wild boars, and variety of birds. • Drive to Kumarakom; check-in at backwater resort. • Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 14: Kumarakom – Alleppey Houseboat Cruise

• Breakfast at hotel. • Transfer to Alleppey jetty to board private deluxe houseboat. • Full-day backwater cruise along palm-lined canals, paddy fields & village life. • On-board traditional Kerala lunch, dinner & evening tea. • Sunset cruise experience. • Overnight onboard houseboat.

Day 15: Alleppey – Cochin Departure (60 km / 1.5 hrs)

• Breakfast onboard. • Disembark and drive to Cochin Airport for onward international departure.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 14 Nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels.
  • Daily breakfast at hotels.
  • Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Hubli - Cochin flight fare approx INR 5, 500 per person in economy class.
  • Camera charges at monuments if any.
  • Meals other than mentioned in the inclusions.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities and optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of hotels included in this tour?

Q: What kind of hotel accommodation is included in the package price?
We provide accommodation at carefully selected 5-star hotels or the best available quality options in remote regions where luxury properties are limited. Hotels are chosen for their comfort, location, and service standards. In case a specific hotel is unavailable, an equivalent standard property will be provided.

Hotels used or similar for this tour (18 Nights Accommodation):
Mumbai – 2 Nights: Trident Hotel OR President, Mumbai - IHCL SeleQtions
Aurangabad – 2 Nights: WelcomHotel Rama International OR Vivanta Aurangabad
Hyderabad – 2 Nights: ITC Kakatiya, a Luxury Collection OR Trident Hotel
Gulbarga – 1 Night: Kyriad Hotel Gulbarga by OTHPL OR Mastiff Select (Best Available)
Bijapur – 1 Night: The Fern Residency OR Kyriad Hotel Vijayapura by OTHPL (Best Available)
Badami – 2 Nights: Morpho Banashree Resort OR WADA1 (Best Available)
Hampi – 2 Nights: Evolve Back, Hampi
Cochin – 1 Night: Kochi Marriott Hotel OR Xandari Harbour
Munnar – 2 Nights: Chandys Windy Woods OR Blanket Hotel & Spa
Thekkady – 1 Night: Spice Village OR Hills & Hues
Kumarakom – 1 Night: Coconut Lagoon OR The Zuri Kumarakom
Alleppey – 1 Night: Luxury Houseboat with Full-Time Air Conditioning

Q: Can I request a specific hotel or upgrade the hotel category?

Yes, we offer flexibility to upgrade hotels to luxury five-star or boutique properties at an additional cost, subject to availability. You can also request specific hotels during the booking process, and we will do our best to accommodate your preference.

Q: Are breakfast and other meals included at the hotels?

Breakfast is generally included with hotel stays unless stated otherwise. Lunch and dinner are optional and can be added to your package upon request. You can also explore local dining during the tour.

Q: Will I get confirmation for the exact hotels before my trip?

Yes, once your booking is confirmed, we will share the final list of hotel names and contact details along with your tour confirmation documents.

Q: I’m looking for a more budget-friendly tour. Can you provide prices with standard or 4-star hotels?

Absolutely! We understand that every traveler has different preferences and budgets. If you prefer standard accommodation or 4-star hotel options instead of the default 5-star hotels, we can customize the tour and provide a tailored quote based on your requirements.

from $ 9,221.00

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